Cold War Trailer

Hong Kong Cinema is suffering from a serious dearth of quality material. I can safely say that the bulk of the industry’s output is either mediocre or plain awful. Occasionally, you do get a good one, like this year’s “Motorway” (with Anthony Wong and Shawn Yue), to show the rest of the world that Hong Kong is still a relevant and vital part of the filmmaking fraternity. Could “Cold War” be another example? Written and directed by first-timers Longman Leung and Sunny Luk, the buzz on this has been positive so far. Cop actioners are a dime a dozen in Hong Kong, so it’s not easy differentiating a film like this from the crowd. This has established character actor Tony Leung Ka-Fai pitted against pretty boy Aaron Kwok, so that in itself should make for an interesting dynamic. While betraying some soap opera melodrama, this trailer certainly seems to suggest “Cold War” has promise…

Here’s the official synopsis: “In Asia’s safest city, the police have long been untouchable. Approaching midnight in Hong Kong, police headquarters receives an anonymous call: a fully-loaded police van carrying the force’s most advanced equipment and five highly-trained officers has disappeared off the grid. The hijackers possess direct knowledge of police procedures. They’re already steps ahead. The police must meet a list of demands to ensure the hostages’ release, including the delivery of a large ransom. Any delay will cost lives. The clock has begun to tick.

Rival Deputy Commissioners Sean Lau and Waise Lee fight to take charge of the rescue operation, code named Cold War. Lau wants to negotiate with the hijackers while covertly tracking them to their hideout. Lee is ready for an all-out aggressive attack, no matter the cost. For them, there’s much more at stake than the safety of the hostages or the reputation of the police. With the Secretary for Security stepping down, the seat will soon be vacant. Cold War will decide who climbs to the top. Lau and Lee are aware that every decision is crucial, that each minute counts. But as they execute a carefully planned attack, little do they know they’ve become unwitting pawns in a bigger, more dangerous game…”

“Cold War” also stars Charlie Young, Gordon Lam, Chin Ka Lok, Andy On, Terence Yin, Eddie Peng, Aariff Rahman, Byron Mann, Grace Huang and a cameo from Andy Lau. It premieres 18th October in Hong Kong.